Conway-Robinson State Forest

The 440 acres of Conway-Robinson State Forest are dominated by a mix of coniferous and deciduous tree cover with several swampy low lying areas. These damp areas host interesting flora including beautiful pink lady’s slippers, which bloom in the early spring. Spring is also a great time for birds in the forest; many winter species such as white-throated sparrows and ruby-crowned kinglets stick around to see which warblers and vireos might return in spring from the neotropics. Check in the denser undergrowth for eastern towhees and perhaps a Swainson’s or gray-cheeked thrush.

Keep an eye out for resident species including red-bellied and downy woodpeckers as they clamber through the branches next to the trail. A visit at dusk or dawn may turn up an eastern screech-owl trilling in the treetops or perhaps a barred owl endlessly questioning “Who cooks for you?” deeper in the woods. Of course you never know when something unusual may turn up, so it’s well worth checking the area regularly for surprises.